The Best Experience Gifts in Boston

Known for its dedicated sports fans, literary history and vast blue harbor, Boston is Massachusetts' bustling capital city.

With such a variety of things to see and do in Boston, where do you begin? 

Experience Gifts is here to help you narrow down your options and make the most of Boston, whether you’re a local looking for something new or just visiting. We've updated our Boston experience gift guide for 2023, so you can continue to explore ‘Beantown’ in fun and unique ways! Read on to find out our top picks.

 

The Movie Mile Walking Tour In Boston - $36.00

Film buffs will love this Movie Mile walking tour! This tour treats its participants to one hour where they can explore the Boston sites made famous by the big screen. We all know one of Boston's best-loved exports, Matt Damon, created a love letter to Boston along with his buddy Ben Affleck in the form of Good Will Hunting, but what other famous movies have been shot right here in the city?

During your movie tour, you'll walk the streets of Boston with an expert guide, and cover approximately one mile over one hour. Your tour sets off from Boston Common, and takes you through the recognisable neighborhood of Beacon Hill. 

You'll visit the places you’ve once seen on screen and follow in the footsteps of iconic characters from Boston based movies! See sights including famous park benches from Ted and Good Will Hunting, the street of the infamous Blown Away car crash, the Dunkin' Donuts featured in The Town and many more. 

 

Axe Throwing at Urban Axes Boston - $30 

Blow off some serious steam with this axe throwing experience in Boston!

You can gather up to six friends and head to Urban Axes, where a friendly instructor will be waiting to take you through the session. 

After they've shown you how it's done, your group will spend one hour throwing the axes in a series of games and competitions to determine who is the ultimate axe-throwing champion.

Once the victory lap is over, the teams can rock up to the bar to enjoy a range of beers, wines and food. 

This makes a fun day out in Boston and is a unique experience gift for those who love to try new things or need to release some stress.

 

Scenic Boston Harbor Cruise Aboard The Northern Lights - $44 

Experience Boston from the water during this scenic ninety minute Harbor Cruise on board a 1920's motor yacht. You can treat your friends or family to an unforgettable day out by taking them along on this entertaining and informative cruise, complete with cozy cushioned seating and a fully stocked bar on board so you can sight-see in style. 

Enjoy unparalleled views of the Bunker Hill Monument, Fort Independence, the USS Constitution and lots more, perfect for showing visitors the best of Boston or a unique experience gift idea for Bostonians!

 

Escape Game at Escape The Room Boston - $39 

If you have a group of puzzle-solving lovers, a visit to Escape The Room is a must when in Boston. 

Choose from The Clocktower, a time-warping escape game for up to ten players; The Apartment which traps you in a typical-looking apartment style escape room; or a South Park themed 'Cartman' game.

Whichever you choose, you'll be racing against the clock as you are concealed in your chosen room for sixty minutes and tasked with piecing together thought-provoking clues in order to escape. Will you make it out before your session is over? Only time will tell… 

 

Secret Food Tour of Boston - $89 

Everyone knows that Boston is famous for its incredible food, but this Secret Food Tour takes the guesswork out of finding the best spots by putting your meal plan in the hands of a local guide. 

Over the course of three and a half hours, you'll visit five secret spots that you may never have stumbled upon otherwise and sample some of Boston's finest cuisine. 

Your expert guide has the inside track on the city's culinary offerings and will ensure that you're sampling a variety of unique sweet and savory dishes from innovative local vendors, including: New England clam chowder, samples from Boston Public Market, lobster rolls, pumpkin tortellini from North End, and tiramisu from Boston's oldest Italian café amongst others. Your tour even concludes with a ‘secret dish.' 

This is the perfect gift for foodie-lovers, or those who just wish to explore more of this iconic city, Bostonians and Non-Bostonians alike.

 

Boston Donut Tasting Tour - $60

Boston is home to the famous Dunkin' Donuts, but there are many other donut places all around Boston to explore. In this 2 hour guided tour, you'll get to try some of Boston's best donuts, all from different shops and bakeries with their own unique flavors. 

You'll start at a very well known Boston institution, Kane's Donuts. They are known for their distinctive donut flavors, including a Maple Bacon one. Following the route, you'll meander through the Public Market, Little Italy, North End, and back to the Market. Not only will you get to try some mouth-watering donuts, but you'll also be able to learn fun facts about the history of delicacies and some of the bakeries, along with having a special tour of the city.

This guided donut tasting tour is a great way to see Boston and try some new flavors. It makes the perfect gift for those with a sweet-tooth, and anyone new to the city looking to explore in a different but unique way!

 

Boston Freedom Trail Pub Crawl - $53.00

Guided tours are some of the best ways to explore a new city, but you know what's even better? A beer tasting tour, of course! Spice up this old traditional tourist activity with an alcohol-infused twist.

On this two hour and fifteen minute walking tour in Boston a highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide will take you along the historic Freedom Trail, visiting four carefully selected taverns that showcase local Boston beers, modern brewing techniques, and invite you to chat with expert craft brewers. 

Pick between the all-inclusive ticket or choose your own drinks as you go - this is the Freedom Trail Pub Crawl after all! 

 

Historic Downtown Boston Freedom Trail Tour - $30.00

The Freedom Trail is one of Boston's most popular attractions, great for exploring the cobblestone streets and learning the fascinating history of New England's largest city. You can do it alone, but you're guaranteed to discover more with the aid of a local tour guide, which is why this Downtown Boston Freedom Trail Tour is the perfect choice for all first-time visitors!

The route has been plotted to showcase the best of Boston's landmarks, including Old City Hall, Park Street Church, Boston Common and loads more. Even Boston residents will learn something new on this tour, great as a unique and informative experience gift! 

 


Downtown Boston Freedom Trail To Back Bay Tour - $45.00

Sure you can walk the Freedom Trail by yourself, but isn't it better to join a local friendly Boston tour guide and learn about history, architecture, and politics from an expert? We think so, and this Freedom Trail to Back Bay Tour gives you just that. 

Start in Downtown Boston and follow a carefully planned route past some of Boston's most famous and historic landmarks, including King's Chapel, Beacon Hill, the Boston Public Library and loads more. 

Your tour guide knows everything worth knowing about Boston so be sure to ask plenty of questions, and don't forget your camera! This is a perfect experience for those looking to explore and understand more of Boston and its rich history.

 

Schooner Sailing Cruise In Salem -$39.00

Set sail from one of New England's oldest harbors on a replica War of 1812 vessel, admiring stunning views of Salem as you cruise along the Massachusetts coastline. 

On board the Schooner you'll hear tales of warfare and battles at sea from the knowledgeable crew, sitting back with a drink from the fully-stocked bar while you learn about the history of Salem and the surrounding colonies. 

If you're feeling confident, try your hand at raising the sails and feel like a true 1812 privateer! Combine scenic sightseeing with fascinating history on this unique Schooner Sailing Cruise in Salem, a great gift for Boston locals.

 

Boston North End and Little Italy Photo Tour - $45.00

Explore Boston's Little Italy and North End neighborhoods and capture incredible pictures with a Guided Photography Tour, a fun and informative experience suitable for all abilities! 

Start at the Tony Demarco Statue and follow an expert guide through the city's most cultural neighborhoods, stopping to learn about the history of the region, the architecture, and the events that brought these communities together.

Boston's most popular Italian restaurants and North End establishments are featured on the tour, so while exploring you'll be able to take incredible photos, and pick up expert tips from your knowledgeable guide. Book a photography tour on your next Boston vacation, or treat a camera enthusiast to a unique experience gift!

 

Boston Beacon Hill Photography Tour - $45.00

Whether you're rocking a thousand dollar digital single lens reflex camera or your trusty smartphone, this Beacon Hill Photography Tour will teach you useful tips and tricks to capture beautiful images.

Hosted by an expert photography tutor and tour guide, you'll walk the streets of Beacon Hill and explore the classic Victorian architecture, lining up shots that bring out the best of the neighborhood. 

Even if you're not interested in photography, you'll learn loads about Boston history, culture, and community! Enjoy the Beacon Hill Photography Tour on your next Massachusetts trip, or gift a Boston local a unique sightseeing experience.

 

Thanks for reading!

We hope you enjoyed our Boston guide.

If you’re still looking, don’t forget to browse our full range of Boston experience gifts here.

< Latest Experience Gifts and Things To Do in Albuquerque A Guide to Kayaking in Florida >